Enhancing Network Performance: The Rise of Tunable DWDM 10G Solutions

Optical transceivers play a pivotal role in managing diverse types of traffic, including storage, data, voice, and video, whether establishing connections between racks, within a rack, from data center to data center, or across enterprise networks. Various adaptable fiber optic transceiver modules, such as SFP, SFP+, QSFP, QSFP28, CFP, and more, cater to the diverse needs of networks. However, many might find navigating the 10G DWDM tunable SFP+ realm challenging. Upon first encountering this tunable transceiver, I anticipated its potential to usher in a revolutionary shift in metro Ethernet and optical transport networks. Its significant practical value lies in flexibly selecting the working wavelength. This article aims to demystify the features and applications of tunable SFP+ optical transceivers.

How Does 10G DWDM Tunable SFP+ Module Appear?

As the demand for increased traffic capacity continues to rise, there is a growing need for optical transceivers operating at different wavelengths. Tunable transceivers represent recent innovations in DWDM transport systems. Within the category of DWDM transceivers, DWDM tunable transceivers stand out by allowing the configuration and output of various DWDM wavelengths within the same optical module. In contrast to conventional fixed-wavelength DWDM SFP+, The tunable SFP+ employs tunable lasers as light sources in DWDM systems.

Oclaro, a leading supplier and innovator of tunable laser and transceiver solutions, introduced tunable laser technology. 2013, it unveiled a standards-compliant, multi-rate tunable SFP+ supporting rates between 9.95 and 11.3 Gbps. However, the initial adoption of first-generation tunable SFP+ optical transceivers was limited due to their failure to meet the critical requirement of consuming less than 1.5 W of power at high operating temperatures. In response, Oclaro demonstrated a new tunable SFP+ module 2014 based on an innovative Oclaro InP tunable laser platform. This new module, featuring an advanced chip design and utilizing next-generation materials, complies with the SFP MSA form factor and operates at 1.5W at 70 degrees C with excellent OSNR tolerance. This technological breakthrough positions 10G tunable SFP+ transceivers as crucial components for the next-generation optical network equipment of data center, metro, and regional network infrastructure. They effectively address the world's growing bandwidth demands while reducing size and power consumption for 10G connections.

The Detail Introductions of 10G DWDM Tunable SFP+

Working Principle

Fixed-wavelength DWDM transceivers are specifically engineered to function within a designated wavelength range. Consequently, these fixed modules are preferred when transmission at a particular wavelength is essential.

In simpler terms, tunable optical transceivers can choose the emitting LASER's color. This flexibility diminishes the need for multiple fixed-wavelength modules.

For instance, consider an SFP+ type C21 transceiver designed to operate with the C21 port on a DWDM MUX. Conversely, a tunable SFP+ fiber module can be paired with any port on the DWDM MUX using compatible optical fiber cables, as the wavelength of a tunable transceiver can be adjusted to match the desired operating wavelength.

Application

Tunable DWDM transceivers find extensive application in the data communication and networking sector. Unlike traditional or standard modules, tunable modules are deployed in dynamic networking environments where future modifications are possible.

These transceivers are particularly advantageous for those managing large-scale DWDM networks with numerous nodes. Consider a scenario where 80 different wavelengths are in use. Maintaining an extensive inventory of spares to replace a defective fixed-wavelength transceiver swiftly becomes necessary. Tunable transceivers offer a practical solution for efficient stock management in such situations. A single tunable transceiver can serve as a replacement part for virtually any fixed-wavelength optical transceiver.

Cost

While it is accurate that the upfront cost of an individual fixed-wavelength transceiver is less than that of a tunable DWDM module, tunable optics prove cost-effective in the long term by reducing operational expenditures (OPEX). Consider an extensive 10G SFP+ DWDM system with hundreds of nodes featuring various wavelengths. In such cases, users must maintain a substantial backup inventory of standard DWDM SFP+ transceivers to prevent unnecessary breakdowns, significantly increasing operating costs. In this context, Tunable optics alleviate the need for an extensive inventory of DWDM SFP+ transceivers, resulting in cost reduction and enhanced network flexibility.

The Advantages of Tunable SFP+

Tunable SFP+ transceivers stand out as high-performance optics with the unique capability to be tuned to the desired wavelength. Their versatility in operating across various wavelengths differentiates them from fixed-wavelength DWDM SFP+. Here are several advantages that make tunable optics increasingly popular in DWDM systems:

Flexible Network Management:

Tunable SFP+ transceivers can be remotely configured to operate on specific wavelengths, enabling seamless support for bandwidth changes in Enterprise or Metro networks.

Reduced Network Inventory:

A single tunable SFP+ transceiver can accommodate over 96 different wavelengths. This consolidation allows network operators to maintain just one tunable device instead of managing an inventory of 96 fixed-wavelength transceivers.

Compact and High-Density Form Factor:

The new tunable SFP+ transceivers are packaged in a smaller, more compact package, featuring a reduced footprint compared to previous tunable XFP modules. This design innovation saves valuable space in data centers, promoting higher-density configurations.

Increased Network Capacity:

Tunable SFP+ transceivers double the channels supported within their compact form factor. Upgrading to a 50GHz channel spacing further doubles the capacity potential in both Enterprise and Metro networks, enhancing overall network capacity.

Conclusion

Tunable DWDM lasers play a crucial role in communication networks, finding broad applications in backbone and metro core convergence networks. Practical implementation has demonstrated their ability to simplify network construction and operations significantly.

QSFPTEK's 10G DWDM SFP+ tunable optical modules offer a transmission distance of 80 kilometers and support a 50Hz tuning capability. This tunable 10G DWDM SFP+ transceiver operates within the tunable DWDM wavelength range, spanning from the C17 channel at 1563.86nm to the C61 channel at 1528.77nm, as specified by the ITU-T. If you are interested in Tunable 10G DWDM SFP+ modules, please get in touch with QSFPTEK at [email protected].